Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis tearfully announces his retirement Friday. Hollis is the second university official to step down in as many days amid sharp criticism over the school's handling of sexual abuse allegations against disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar.(Photo: Jake May | Associated Press)

East Lansing – For the second time in three days, a high-ranking Michigan State official has stepped down in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual assault scandal.

Athletic director Mark Hollis announced on Friday morning that he was retiring, just two days after university president Lou Anna K. Simon said she would be resigning. Hollis will remain on the job until Wednesday; MSU will not name an interim AD before then.

“I’ve always been a Spartan and I always will be. It’s been an absolute honor to guide the athletic department for the last decade,” Hollis said Friday with his wife, Nancy, standing nearby. “That being said, today I’m announcing my retirement.

“This was not an easy decision for my family and you should know, you should not jump, should not jump to any conclusions based upon our decision. Listen to the facts. I’m not running away from anything. I’m running toward something. Comfort, compassion and understanding for the survivors and our community. Togetherness, time and love for my family.”

Hollis’ departure is the latest as the fallout from Nassar’s sentencing this week continues. The former MSU doctor was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting more than 100 young women, some of those Michigan State student athletes.

"Our campus and beyond has been attacked by evil," Hollis said Friday, regarding Nassar.

The Nassar case has resulted in several investigations, including one from the Michigan Attorney General and from the NCAA, which sent a letter of inquiry early this week to Hollis stating it will begin an investigation into the athletic department and its handling of the Nassar case.

“Much attention has recently been given to the outside investigations into the university and the athletic department, including those both by the Michigan attorney general and the NCAA,” Hollis said. “Let me be clear that in retirement I will fully cooperate with these and any other investigations. As a university, we must focus on the healing of survivors and our entire community.”

Hollis had come under increasing scrutiny in recent days, as the victim-impact statements in the Nassar case unfolded.

“The Penn State crisis — and this has a good deal of similarities — was the biggest sports story in 2012,” Gerald Gurney, an assistant professor of Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma, told The Detroit News on Thursday. “This is a behemoth. This is the mother of all sexual assault scandals. There is nothing like this. It astounds me that anyone in a position of athletic administration at Michigan State that would have anything whatsoever to do with working with the athletes, it would astound me if they felt secure.”

Hollis, who has been Michigan State’s athletic director since succeeding Ron Mason on Jan. 1, 2008, said he did not become aware of any issues or complaints about Nassar until the original media report from the Indianapolis Star in September 2016.

He also said he was never made aware of a 2014 Title IX investigation into complaints about Nassar by an MSU student.

“In the statement that I made to the FBI and to the MSU police, I did not know about this prior to the September 2016 article,” Hollis said. “I was not informed of the 2014 investigation.

“At the same time there is so much pain, and there is so much healing that needs to be done. In a small way, Nancy and I believe that this may help that process. I want to be clear that I was not asked to retire. I don’t believe I was pressured in any way to retire. This is a choice that Nancy and I made, and we’re going to move forward with our lives and see what’s around the corner. Our choice was for the right reasons.”

A Detroit News investigation showed that 14 people associated with Michigan State had knowledge of complaint made about Nassar before the 2016 report from the Star. Hollis was not one of them.

Hollis said he doesn’t believe he ever met Nassar, who was employed by the College of Osteopathic Medicine and not a member of the athletic department.

He also isn’t sure how he’d act differently considering he wasn’t aware of everything those at a higher level were.

“Again, based on the information I had at the time I had it, there’s nothing that I had as far as making a decision,” he said. “When you have an opportunity to go back and reassess anything, there’s going to be opportunities for improvement, which is one of our core values – to improve. This story is horrible, but the university has to assess it. Every decision I made was a good one at the time I made it. Like everyone, you get frustrated that there’s not enough dialogue about it. And that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to have this opportunity to respond at least to what I know. And I am not privy to a lot of information that is being discussed at the university level.

“I’ve been interviewed by the FBI, I’ve been interviewed by MSU Police, I’ve responded to every question and many other people have as well. As an AD you learn quickly don’t investigate, don’t prosecute and don’t judge. Allow those that you have to let that process take place and then you have to make decisions on the outcome of that process. So it’s taken some time. I think the growth and the magnitude of the abuse has evolved and become bigger than I ever wanted to imagine. And that’s created by a lot of that challenge.”

Hollis is a 1985 graduate of Michigan State and returned to his alma mater in 1995 as the associate athletics director for external relations. He was promoted to athletic director in 2008.

During his tenure, the athletic department has had plenty of success and Hollis has been well-respected around college athletics. He spent five years on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and served as the committee chair in 2016-17. He also was a former chair of the NCAA Division I Amateurism Cabinet and a former member of the NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Issues Committee.

Hollis’ contract says he’s paid a base salary of $667,000 including bonuses of up to $222,000. He said his last day on the job will be Wednesday and he does not intend to remain with the university in any capacity from that point.

“I'll obviously be here to cooperate with any investigation that's taking place by any law enforcement agency, NCAA,” Hollis said. “I'll always be a Spartan, but beyond that, no, I don't have any role at Michigan State.”

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Former gymnast Alexis Alvarado, right, is hugged by Christine Harrison after the sentencing of Larry Nassar, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. Both were patients of Nassar's and spoke in court. Victim impact statements wrapped up on Day 7 of the sentencing hearing in Lansing, followed by the verdict for the notorious doctor who
sexually assaulted girls and young women under the guise of medical treatment.
Rod Sanford, Special to The Detroit News

Sterling Riethman made the first victim statement on Day 7. She was 20 when she was abused by Nassar. "I look around this room, and I’m in complete awe," she said. "These women, these warriors, give me life. They lit a fire inside me that I didn’t even know existed ... They inspire me and fuel me to continue on in this fight against predators and their enablers."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Kaylee Lorincz weeps while telling her story. At 13, “You stole my innocence from me. … As I look at you today, I feel nauseous. … We were ultimately strong enough to take you down. Not one by one, but as an army of survivors.”
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Finally, the 156th and last victim impact statement was read in court by Rachael Denhollander, the woman who filed the police report that led to more than 200 other women coming forward. She had tough words for MSU: "You did not listen. It has been 18 months and I am still asking questions, and I am still getting the same answer."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Larry Nassar watches as Rachael Denhollander tells him, "You chose to pursue your wickedness, no matter what it cost others. ... May the horror expressed in the courtroom be the motivation for those to take responsibility in the future."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis addresses the court before the sentencing, summing up what everyone heard over the last seven days: Nassar was "twisted, a master manipulator. ... The breadth of Larry Nassar's crimes is nearly infinite."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Larry Nassar was allowed to speak before sentencing. Turning to the audience, he said, "Your words these past several says have had a significant impact. ... I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days." Above, Nassar is flanked by his attorneys Matthew Newburg and Molly Blythe.
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

Annie Labrie, 23, facing camera, hugs Rita Wieber, Jordyn Wieber's mother, outside the courtroom in Lansing just before the sentencing of Larry Nassar. Labrie was a patient of Nassar's and testified in court earlier in the summer but did not make a court statement during the last two weeks, she said.
Rod Sanford, Special to The Detroit News

It's Day Six of the sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, on January 23, 2018. Gymnast Emily Morales, now 18, said, "Each time, he asked me if my pain was better and I said it was even though it hurt because if I said no, he'd go deeper and harder."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

During her victim statement, gymnast Mattie Larson named Debbie Van Horn, who still works at USA Gymnastics, as being in the room when the Nassar assaults occurred at the Karolyi ranch. Larson would get panic attacks at the thought of being sent to him for "treatment."
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

Danielle Romano read a statement on behalf of her sister Alexandra Romano, who is in graduate school in California. "I looked up to you ... but you broke my trust. You used my innocent adolescent body but I thought you were healing me. What you have done is unforgivable."
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

Makayla Thrush, a gymnast from ages 7-17, said, "I find it weird when this all came out and my lawyer asked for my medical records, they were almost nonexistent. As if there were nothing wrong with me, but you kept going for your own pleasure."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Brianne Randall lives in Seattle and reported the abuse to police in 2004. "I didn't want to leave my 7-week-old son," she said. "However, after hearing the words of my sister survivors, I knew I had to come support them."
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

Christina Barba met Nassar when she was 9, and broke a toe at the gym. "Eventually, I decided to become a physical therapist. Larry and I worked side-by-side in his clinic. I defended Larry when the stories were emerging. It wasn’t until last week that my own trauma that I had buried so deep started emerging. … The problem was I trusted him blindly through a child's eyes."
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

Gymnast Brooke Hylek said one of her legs is shorter than the other and resulted in back pain and many visits to Nassar. She said the abuse started after multiple short visits to gain her trust.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Abigayle Bergeron said, "Mother was there during appointments and he blocked her view and slipped his fingers inside of me. I remember a time when my dad came to one of these treatments. He's a detective and retired police officer and said he thought something sketchy was going on."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Emily Meinke flew from Florida to give her statement. She said her father donated a physician's table to Nassar's clinic. "I thank God my father is no longer on this earth to hear the statements made by these women, on that table. It would break his heart." A victim herself, she said, "Treatments were arranged in his home on Sundays. One time, in particular, I was on a table in his living room and he excused himself to change into looser fitting clothing."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Former gymnast Isabell Hutchins met Nassar when she was 10. She held up an item of a box of Olympics gifts Nassar sent her. She described the sport she loved turning into a prison for her after Nassar's abuse. She is now afraid to talk to anyone, uncomfortable in her own body, in a constant state of anxiety, afraid to trust anyone.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News

Natalie Woodland, 16, said, "He used me like a toy for his own pleasure." To the institutions who did nothing: "Shame on you. You could have saved hundreds of girls from sexual abuse." She was treated after the 2014 Title IX investigation that cleared Nassar.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Jillian Swinehart, 15, started gymnastics when she was 3. She says she was abused by Nassar hundreds of times at his house and at Michigan State. Jillian's mother tells Nassar, "I took my most precious gift to you and you hurt her, physically, mentally and emotionally. I will never get rid of the guilt I had of this experience."
Dale G. Young, Detroit News

"You stole my sparkle," Alison Chauvette, 25, tells Larry Nassar. "You, like others, allowed yourself to become a monster. This is the path you chose. You now have to pay. ... We all deserve to sparkle."
Dale G. Young, Detroit News

Anna Dayton said to Nassar, "For 10 years you seemed to have all the answers to my problems. But not any more. ... Identifying the strategies of an abuser is harder than I thought. ... I'm here on the path to overcoming your manipulation. I am here to take back my power and relinquish yours."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Kamerin Moore gives her statement, "You will never mean anything to anyone for the rest of your entire life, never," she said, in the court of Judge Rosemarie Aquilina on Monday, January 22, 2018.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Emma Ann Miller, 15, with her mother Leslie Miller standing beside her, tells the court, "I, too, was sexually assaulted, by Larry Nassar, multiple times. My last appointment was in August 2016. Soon after he was fired by MSU. I might possibly be the last child he sexually assaulted."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Taylor Livingston, another of Larry Nassar's victims, said he abused her shortly after her father died (a year ago). She said she should be grieving him, her hero, instead she is feeling guilty that she lied to him about Nassar. Her dad was in the room when he assaulted her. She said that life is a chore, a constant fight and she can't remember the last time she felt happy. Livingston said to Nassar, "What you have done is despicable. ... One day you are going to die, and you are going to hell. On the way, you are going to see my dad."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Amanda Smith, the 96th survivor to speak in court, said "When news broke about you, I could not, would not believe it. But then I started coming to terms: You were in fact the monster they said you were. ... You made me feel emotions that no 14-year-old girl should ever have to feel."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Whitney Mergens told her parents (about Nassar's abuse), and the darkness came. It is so difficult for her to not live in fear as she steps into a doctor office. "I want for this darkness to go away ... Standing here today, I know the light is not far away," she said in court Monday.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Clasina Syrobi told Larry Nassar in court, "You have made it so that I am embarrassed that I am a gymnast. And went to Twistars, and Great Lakes Gymnastics. People used to ask what level gymnast I was. Now, the follow up question is: Were you one of them?".
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Marta Stern told the court that Nassar assaulted her until she was sore and raw. She didn't want to complain. She grew up with the mentality, No pain, no gain. She thought it was her when it was uncomfortable, but realizes now that he was abusing her. To Michigan State University she said, "Your lack of accountability has been repulsive."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Bailey Lorencen speaks out against the abuse she suffered under Dr. Larry Nassar during the fifth day of victim impact statements. Her story started in fourth grade. Nassar was the doctor to see. She saw him and he abused her. She said he was so nice to all of the gymnasts as a way to deceive them. Now, when an older man is nice to her, her heart starts to pound and she begins to sweat.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Larry Nassar stands as Judge Rosemarie Aquilina takes her place in the court on Monday, January 22, 2018 at the start of a fifth day of victim impact statements prior to Nassar's sentencing.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Two-time Olympian Aly Raisman, one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history, said USA Gymnastics and the Olympic committee were quick to celebrate her Olympic success but did nothing to stop Larry Nassar. "It was like being abused all over again," she said. "At this point, talk is worthless to me. ... We need to demand real change."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber reads her impact statement about Larry Nassar in court Friday in Lansing. Nassar began seeing her at age 8, and abuse started as a teenager. "Who was I to question?" she said. She and her parents trusted Nassar and USA Gymnastics. "We were betrayed by both."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

The impact statement of Trenea Gonzcar, center, draws tears from Larry Nassar, and some hugs from other survivors. She, who had formerly defended him, today said, “Larry I pray for your soul. To the others who are scared to come forward … I know that they are afraid to hurt you and our community. But I believe in doing the right thing.”
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

"Larry had adults on his side, protecting him, enabling his abuse and helping him achieve a God-like status," Larissa Boyce told the court, remembering girls telling her she was "really special" if invited to his home. She was the first to tell someone at MSU about the abuse.
Dale G Young, The Detroit News

Kassie Powell, a former MSU pole vaulter, appeared in court with her father Doug Powell, who told Nassar, "I want you to fear those dark corners, unimaginable corridors ... I want you to fear that booty bandit who wants to make you his punk."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Samantha Ursch talks about Nassar using flattery: "He made me feel just as important as anyone else," though he saw Olympians too. She said she is no longer pretending that the abuse didn't happen, but she is working to move past it.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News

Kara Johnson said that Nassar took her innocence when she was 13. When her mother was at the appointments with her, Nassar would position himself in a way so her mother couldn't see what was happening. He would 'like' her social media posts, and looking back she recognized that as a major red flag. After the abuse happened, "I was supposed to go back to school but everything seemed cloudy and I felt the urge to shout," she said. "
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Maddie Johnson was 12 when she saw Nassar for pain. After several appointments when he abused her, she said she thought only way she could get him to stop was to lie to her parents and say the pain was all gone, so she wouldn't have to continue the "treatments."
Dale G. Young, Detroit News

Marie Anderson was a 15-year-old swimmer when she went to Nassar for lower back pain. "I have a choice to make every day on how I will grow, and while we all are moving mountains, you, Larry, will have no choice but to sit in prison and wait to die,"
she said.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Victim impact statements continued on Day Three in Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing on Thursday, January 18, 2018, in Lansing. Nicole Reeb, who was sent to Nassar as a high school dancer and athlete in 1997, talked for nearly 30 minutes about the profound ways she has suffered as a result of the sexual abuse.
"I have been suffering from PTSD for the last 20 years because of Larry Nassar," she said.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News

Gymnast Lindsey Lemke was only 10 when Nassar started abusing her. She called out John Geddert of Twistars USA Gymnastics Club, USA Gymnastics, Michigan State ("Shame on you"), former MSU gymnastics coach Kathie Klages ("I am so disgusted by you. You silenced the victims when they came forward in 1997") and MSU President Lou Anna Simon ("I don't know how you are still president.")
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Former gymnast and Nassar victim Jamie Dantzscher gave her victim impact statement on Day Three of Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing on Thursday, January 18, 2018, in Lansing. She said to Nassar in court, "You knew I was powerless. You pretended to be my friend. How dare you ask for our forgiveness? We all see through your bullshit. You are only sorry that you got caught."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina responds to defendant Larry Nassar, far right, and his letter of complaint of having to sit through four days of a "media circus." She responded, "Nothing is as harsh as what your victims endured at your hands for thousands of hours, sexually abusing them for your pleasure. Spending a few days listening to them pales in comparison."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina addresses a six-page letter to her from Larry Nassar complaining of having to "sit through a four-day media circus." Judge Aquilina had no sympathy for the convicted felon.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Tiffany Thomas Lopez, a former Michigan State softball player who was abused by Larry Nassar, gets a hug from Gina Nichols after testifying Wednesday during Nassar's sentencing hearing in Ingham County Court. Thomas Lopez said to Nassar: "I am ready to be released by your clench." She also said she will forgive him, to heal her heart. Thomas Lopez is one of 98 victims who began telling the stories of their sexual abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar as his sentencing continued for a second day in an Ingham County courtroom Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Victim Helena Weick, one of 21 victims who spoke out against Larry Nassar in court Wednesday. Weick said she was first molested by Nassar as a gymnast in elementary school and that it ruined her relationship with her mother, who was in the room during the incident but had no knowledge of it.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon listens to victim impact statements in court Wednesday. She later said, "(Nassar) is a monster who broke our trust ...You have to be horrified and extremely sorry that anyone's lives have been affected profoundly ... What you are hearing is a story of betrayal and broken trust with enormous ramifications."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Formerly known as victim 148, Kayla Spicher takes the podium sharing her name and identity. "I thought you generally trusted my well being," she said to her abuser Larry Nassar in court Wednesday.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Former gymnast Nicole Walker spoke out Wednesday, telling the court that her son is the only thing that keeps her going. "I had an anonymous statement but after seeing everyone come up here yesterday, I felt like I could stand up here...I now see only female doctors and go above and beyond to protect my son," she said.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Jeanette Antolin, a former U.S. national gymnastics team member from 1995-2000, speaks about Larry Nassar in front of Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in District Court on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, in Lansing. "You made me believe you were my friend. You manipulated me, abused me," she said to Nassar. "You used your hotel rooms as a playground. I truly believe you are a spawn of Satan."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Former Gymnastics coach Tom Brennan reacts in the gallery as a victim addresses Larry Nassar in front of Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in District Court on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, in Lansing. Brennan, who appeared with victim Gwen Anderson, spoke out in court to Nassar: “For the record, go to hell.”
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Gina Nichols, mother of victim Maggie Nichols weeps in the gallery while victims speak to Larry Nassar in front of Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in district court on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, in Lansing. She read a letter from her daughter in court, and said to Nassar: "You are not a real doctor. You are a serial child molester, a pedophile."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Amanda Thomashow, who filed the Title IX report to Michigan State University in 2014, spoke in a Lansing court Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. "What he did shows up in my daily life, and affects my sleep," she said. "Since this case reopened, I have troubles getting out of bed. What happened to me bleeds into every area of my life."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Olivia Cowan tells her story of sexual abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar as his sentencing in Ingham County began Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Cowan was 13 when she first went to see Nassar for severe back pain. She said Michigan State University should have known about Nassar.
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Larry Nassar takes a seat in the witness box per Judge Rosemarie Aquilina’s instructions. When it’s over, Judge Aquilina will sentence Nassar, the infamous Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor who abused girls and young women under the guise of a medical treatment.
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Victim Kyle Stephens addresses Larry Nassar, who was a family friend. He began abusing her when she was 6. Her parents didn't believe her. "This process has been horrific," she said. "You are a compulsive liar. Little girls don't stay little forever. They return as strong women to destroy your world."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Donna Markham speaks on behalf of her daughter Chelsey, who was abused by Nassar at age 12. It affected her deeply, and led to a serious depression. She took her own life at age 23, in 2009. "Every day I miss her," Donna Markham said. "And it all started with him."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Former gymnast Jessica Thomashow describes being sexually assaulted when she was 9 and 12 years old by Larry Nassar. On behalf of all the other victims, she said: "We all suffering, having flashbacks, unable to have normal relationships, crying ourselves to sleep at night, asking why."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Jade Capua said she was 13 when her innocence was stolen, and there isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't think of the sexual violence she and others endured. She told Nassar, "I am no longer broken by you. Nothing will take away what you have done to me, and others behind me."
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Rebecca Mark stares at Nassar during her statement. Says she was a 15-year-old freshman softball player when she was molested by Nassar during a body examination with her mother in the room. She said he blocked her mother's view of what he was doing.
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News

Bethany Bauman said she has started to see a therapist, who has helped her see that she is not to blame for Larry Nassar's assault. "Larry, you are the one who should feel guilt and shame for the rest of your life," she said.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Kate Mahan called Larry Nassar a "master manipulator" in her statement. "Difficult times will either strengthen or break a person." Mahan said she is stronger now, and has learned not to be ashamed.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Amanda Cormier gave a detailed explanation of all that Nassar stole from her as a result of his assault, from low feelings of self worth to lost confidence to extreme anxiety when seeing a male doctor. "I don't believe you have changed or truly grasped the pain you caused," she said.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Volleyball player Jennifer Rood Bedford, after describing her mortifying experience, said to Nassar: "I do pray for you, and I do forgive you. You will face the consequences for your actions."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Former gymnast Ashley Erickson has had difficulty trusting people since the abuse. She says she has lost jobs and put her family through hell. "I want this all to go away. I want to be the same Ashley to my family that they once knew," she said. "I will be strong again."
Dale G Young, Detroit News

The mother of Lindsey Lemke read a statement on behalf of her daughter. She said that Nassar had told Lindsey and other girls not to tell their parents about the procedures he was performing on them. She said her daughter is scarred forever, that she herself feels guilt for "missing this" and that will never go away. "It's gut-wrenching," she said.
Dale G Young, Detroit News

Megan Halichek had a message for Michigan State, USA Gymnastics and other institutions that were not accountable for the decades Larry Nassar abused young women: "The sin of omission is as bad as the sin itself."
Dale G Young, Detroit News